Answers, Part V

Q: Scott, when selecting your pre-season 25 how much of an influence does a teams schedule play into where you rank them in comparison to the other intangibles like returning starters, 2007 record etc. I know my point deals with a 25 with the "best shot" at the BCS title game, rather then the top 25 "best teams", but why not rank a West VA, Clemson, USC (who's schedule flips this year) or even a BYU higher then Georgia who is clearly better on paper but plays a brutal schedule.Also, what are your thoughts on completely doing away with a preseason top 25 until early October like many have suggested. Is it really that big of a problem and disadvantage to those starting outside the top 15-20 or do things have a tendency to always work out. What response has the ncaa given to this criticism?

A: I'm all in favor for waiting until October. But the AP poll no longer figures into the BCS equation, so it does not really mean all that much. However, I would argue that the AP poll is now the most important poll, something I did not anticipate when it left the BCS. It is the only poll that can pick its own national champion, so we still have the chance for a split national title.
In the past I have voted a team as preseason No. 1 when an easy schedule merits it. A couple years ago, I selected West Virginia. And before that, Nebraska when it had an easy schedule. This year, I just felt Georgia deserved it with the talent it brought back from last year, even though it plays in the toughest conference in America.